Penn and Teller

 

No, you didn't miss a breaking news story.  Penn Fraser Jillette and Raymond Joseph Teller are both very much alive.  But why should that stop them from having a grave?

This blogger isn't exactly sure as to how long it's been there, but the famed comedy duo have a cenotaph in notable Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.  What's a cenotaph?  It's a marker or a tribute to someone who's not buried in that particular cemetery.  Typically, however, the cenotaph is for someone who has actually died!  So why these two happen to have one is a mystery to this blogger.

The answer, however, may be in the cards.  Look closely at the cenotaph and you'll see that the card they've chosen is the three of clubs.  Now, take another look at their publicity photo up above.  Notice the card that Teller is holding?  Yup, it's the three of clubs.

So, what is the significance of this card?  Well, this blogger did a little digging into the world of cartomancy and tarot and came up with a few interesting explanations.  According to one source, "three of clubs make good directors of men. They might be indecisive in their lives, but they are not afraid to take responsibility for others. They can work successfully...in any occupation that involves their communication skills."  An ironic choice, given that Teller never speaks.

Another explanation states that "three of clubs is a sign that your efforts will be crowned with success...it is a trump that beats all the negative cards next to it.  It is a fine omen that you will gain fortune and fame."  Ascribing good fortune to the afterlife certainly can't hurt.

Also, if you go down the rabbit hole that is Reddit, you'll see that this particular card is commonly used among magicians when they want to force a specific card.  Allegedly, low numbers with black-on-white images are easier to read than say, face cards.

Whatever the meaning, this blogger appreciates unique and one-of-a-kind headstones, and this one certainly fits the bill.  Next time you're in L.A., be sure to check it out.

Trivia

• Ironically, this blogger had no idea that the cenotaph was even there.  While visiting Forest Lawn with a friend and fellow grave enthusiast, we were approached by a former disgruntled associate of the magical duo, who asked us to videotape him dancing on their grave.  Only in Hollywood.
   
• Penn and Teller are regular performers at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.  Although this blogger has stayed there many times, he's never actually caught their act.
  
  
• This blogger has visited cenotaphs for actual dead people, including Robert Mitchum and Jayne Mansfield.